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    Chapter 947


    By the time it was nearly midnight, the lights in Glimmering Tower were still on. However, a ''Closed'' sign hung at the entrance.


    The private room on the third floor, once a peaceful drinking space, now bore a jug of wine and a few small dishes set out for snacking.


    Rafael hade without his guards, and Leroy had only brought a single attendant who stood by the door. The wine was half-drunk, and though the two men spoke of tomorrow''s negotiations, neither revealed any crucial details.


    Leroy''s goal was to keep Rafael here for as long as possible without sharing anything important. He suspected the operation had already beenpleted and their target had already been captured.


    On the other hand, Rafael seemed to remain blissfully unaware of the n. Leroy''s satisfaction grew as he thought about how easily they had lured the Hell Monarch away. People always talked about how difficult Rafael was to deal with, yet it had only taken a few well-ced words to get him to fall into Leroy''s trap.


    Still, Leroy didn''t let this lull him into thinking Rafael wasn''t vignt. After all, tomorrow''s negotiations were vital. Starhaven was fully aware of their weak position, which was why they were eager to hear what terms Leroy would offer. It was clear they were desperate.


    What made Leroyugh, though, was Rafael''s absurd arrogance. Every word out of his mouth suggested he wasn''t afraid of war. Leroy could hardly contain his amusement.


    "So, are you telling me you''re not afraid of war, Your Highness?" he sneered. "But can you guarantee that, if war breaks out between our two kingdoms, your king will allow you to lead the troops? From what I''ve heard, your king is quite wary of you and would never let youmand the army again."


    "Whether I lead depends on the situation, not on what the king thinks now," Rafael replied smoothly.


    "Situation?" Leroy''sugh wasced with scorn. "That''s even more ridiculous! If things get out of contral, do you think you can ride in and tum the tide? You''re overestimating yourself, Your Highness."


    "Is that so?" Rafael''s smile remained as he leaned back in his chair. "Well, I suppose we can always give it a try."


    The confidence in his eyes made Leroy pause for a moment, a flicker of doubt in his chest. But then he reminded himself that they held the upper hand, and decided there was nothing to worry about.


    He snorted dismissively. "We''ll see tomorrow, Your Highness. I hope you''ll still be this full of yourself."


    The sound of the midnight gong rang out, and Leroy stood.


    "It''s gettingte. Let''s call it a night. We''ll continue at the negotiating table tomorrow."


    He couldn''t wait to return and hear good news from Icarus. Once Carissa was in their hands, they could make their demands at the table. If Starhaven refused, the negotiations would be over. The Westhaven envoys would leave for home with their mission aplished.


    If there was anything else Lisandra was dissatisfied with, Edmund would handle it once they returned home.


    Yet, Rafael didn''t move to leave. He simply smiled at Leroy. "Don''t rush off, Mr. Stellwyn. Stay a little longer. You never know-someone mighte looking for you soon."


    "Someone mighte looking for me? Who would? Who even knows we''re here?" Leroy asked, puzzled.


    "The people at Glimmering Tower all know we''re here," Rafael replied casually.


    "Isn''t this Glimmering Tower?" Leroy''s suspicion grew. "Do you own this ce, Your Highness?"


    "Technically, it belongs to Commander Sinir."


    "Commander Sinir?" Leroy frowned.


    Who was Commander Sinir? He had never heard of a senior official in Starhaven with the surname Sinir.


    As if reading his thoughts, Rafael added with a knowing look, "My wife and princess consort, the Mystic Army''smander, is Commander Sinir."


    Carissa didn''t own Glimmering Tower-it belonged to the Pathfinders Guild. Many might not know that, but Rafael did. He knew because all the ounts for the Pathfinders Guild were handled by Everett.


    Leroy looked at Rafael, unsure what exactly he was getting at.


    So what if Glimmering Tower belonged to Carissa? She was probably already at Hartstone Estate by now. She wouldn''t be here.


    Just as he was about to speak, he heard hurried footsteps approaching.


    The shop doors of Glimmering Tower, which had already been closed, swung open.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A loud voice rang out, "Is His Highness here?"


    "Yes, His Highness is here, someone quickly responded.


    "Hurry, report to him that Lady Carissa was attacked!" the voice continued urgently. "The assassin was Commander Icarus, Westhaven''smander of the Sovereign Guard. He has already been sent to the Supreme Court."


    Leroy''s face drained of color, his expression going as white as a sheet.